The work here in Guinea has faced many distractions at every stage, all with either a negative or a positive impact. One of the most negative distractions is the political instability, bringing violent attacks, rapes and banditries by security forces and sometimes even neighbor against neighbor. Because of this, missionaries around the country are always advised by their embassies to pull out to a neighboring country or back to their homeland during times of unrest.

As we have transitioned into leadership of the Susu Project, we have had our first baptism of political distraction.

On June 27, for the first time in more than 50 years, the people of Guinea went to the polls to exercise their democratic rights. More than 100 people entered their names as candidates for the presidency, so the junta transitional government was obligated to put in place certain criteria to cut down the number, which finally ended up being 25.

The average Guinean does not understand what politics is about, so they choose their leaders based on tribal connection and what they stand to gain from that person. The three most powerful tribes in Guinea are the Fulani, the Susu and the Malinke. For the past few decades, power has been juggled between the Susu and the Malinke, leaving the Fulani out and making them thirsty for influence. As the Fulani population grew, they eventually became the most populous tribe in Guinea and gained control of commerce. With their new numbers and wealth, they have an advantageous position for this presidential election. With this confidence, they adopted the slogan “This is our moment. If we do not get it the peaceful way, we will get it by force.” Everyone else in Guinea takes such threats very seriously, and the military junta stationed thousands of troops all over the country as the election drew near.

The Susu Project team decided to send their wives and children back home until after the election. On June 26, the Sabbath before the election, our humble little group engaged in a prayer session for the country and for our protection. The theme of this prayer session was taken from our chorus book. A song called “Rouler Roche La,” which means “Roll away the Rock.” The second stanza goes:

“Roll away the rock, Israel
camped in front of the Red Sea,
They did not know what to do when they faced danger;
But one thing they forgot: Jesus will never lose a battle.”

This song echoed in our little church building as the members sang with faith and enthusiasm after every prayer request. The speaker that Sabbath called the election the rock that needed to be peacefully rolled away. He encouraged members to stand on the promises of Christ our savior. He is the only one who can roll away the rock for us.

Indeed the good Lord intervened. We thank God for your prayers. The next day, Sunday June 27, the country went to vote for a new president. It went very peacefully. The Fulani tribe presented more candidates than the other tribes. As a result, the winner of the first round was a Fulani man with 39 percent of the vote. For the Fulani tribe, it was a glimmer of hope. The second round of voting will be on Sunday July 18 between two presidential candidates—the winner of the first round and the runner-up, a Malinke man.

Please continue to pray for Guinea and the Susu project.

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